LeCreuset Stoneware Pie Bird - Cherry

The use of the pie bird may be something you remember from your grandmother but this little guy isn't just a pretty little pie topper. The use of the pie bird is a wonderful tool that will help your pies come out even better. The hollow Le Creuset Pie Bird in Cherry / Cerise red redirects the moisture from the filling which does 2 very important things. First off this keeps moisture away from the bottom crust so it does not come out soggy. Secondly, this redirecting of moisture and steam will keep your top crust in tact and helps prevent your filling from spilling over in the oven.

The Le Creuset Pie Bird is made of durable enameled stoneware the resists moisture absorption keeping it from cracking. This stoneware pie bird is oven safe up to 500°F / 260°C as well as freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe.

METHOD

Sieve the flour and salt into a bowl, add the diced butter and white fat. Using your finger tips rub the mixture together until it resembles breadcrumbs.

Add the egg yolk with the water and bring the mixture together to form a dough ball.

Handle as little as possible for best results.

Wrap the pastry in cling film and rest in a cool place or the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

To make the pie filling:

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil with the tablespoon of butter in a 3-4 litre capacity cast iron casserole on the hob top over a low to medium heat. Add the onions, celery and carrots and sauté gently for 4-5 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the pot with a slotted spoon and set to one side.

Heat the second tablespoon of oil in the pot, add the diced meat a little at a time and lightly brown.

Return the sauté vegetables to the pot, sprinkle over the flour and stir in the garlic, tomato puree, Worcester sauce and pepper.

Add the hot stock, bay leaves and thyme and stir in the beer. Bring to a simmer, place the lid on and transfer to the oven to cook 1 ½ hours.

Once the filling is cooked remove the bay leaves and season to taste with a little salt. Allow to cool a little.

Dust a work surface or silicone rolling mat and a rolling pin with the extra flour.

Divide the pastry into two pieces, one slightly larger than the other. Roll out the smaller piece into a circle for the top using the dish upturned as a guide and set to one side. Roll out the larger piece to a circle approximately 30cm (12inch) diameter and line the dish.

Place the pie bird in the centre of the dish and add the cooked filling. Brush the rim of the pastry with some of the glaze.

Cut a small cross in the centre of the rolled out pie top and place over the filling, allowing the pie bird to poke through. Press the edges together to seal and trim away the excess. Use the back of a fork and press around the sealed edges to make a pattern and decorate the top with the pastry trimming if liked. Brush the top of the pie with the glaze.

Place onto a metal baking sheet and cook for 50-55 minutes until deep golden brown. If the pastry edges start to overbrown protect them with some strips of foil.